I will miss you CHARLIE GRACIE R.I.P. Philadelphia’s First Rock and Roll Star! A True Rock’N’Roll Pioneer has passed on. Very sad news I’m just finding out my heart is heavy and filled with sorrow.
Charlie Gracie was an important pioneer in the rock and roll music industry. A true rocker who was also a beautiful human being. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife Joan, his son Chaz as well as all of his family, friends, and fans all over the globe!! He was very kind and generous person who was a brilliant guitarist and a great trailblazer in the development of rock & roll. He will be missed. I consider myself so lucky to have know this man and have him on my show many times. His 1957 #1 single “Butterfly” gave the Philadelphia Cameo/Parkway label their first hit. The money that Butterfly made gave Cameo the chance to be in the industry and put Philly on the top of the music map. Why is he not in The Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame!??
Charlie made his debut on American Bandstand hosted by Bob Horn 4 Years before Dick Clark took over. He appeared on Ed Sullivan,starred in the movie Jamboree in 1957 alongside many great pioneers! He was highly influential on the ’60s generation of rockers. Paul McCartney covered “Fabulous,” Gracie’s #16 followup to “Butterfly,” and Van Morrison invited Gracie to open for him on a tour. Other admirers included Graham Nash and Stephen Stills: Nash once said that his sister was such a huge fan that when she eyed the singer dropping a cigarette butt on the floor, she picked it up and stuffed it in her pocket as a souvenir which she still has to this day. Keep On Rocking Charlie and thank you for being my friend. I Love You Butterfly. 🎸 💔
Jacky Bam Bam and Charlie Gracie
In the Studio
Jacky Bam Bam and Charlie Gracie
Jacky Bam Bam and Charlie Gracie
Jacky Bam Bam
